Autonomous wellbore downhole indexing device

ABSTRACT

Wellbore rotational indexing devices, methods and systems for indexing a wellbore device downhole. The rotational indexing device has an electronic controller electronically configured to cause a rotary actuator to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence. The rotary actuator, the controller and a power source are operatively carried on the body for inserting downhole in the wellbore. When the indexing device is disposed downhole and the rotary actuator is operatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, the indexing device automatically rotates the wellbore device through successive rotational steps according to the predetermined indexing sequence.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to downhole wellbore devicesand, more specifically but not exclusively, to downhole rotationalindexing of wellbore drill string devices.

BACKGROUND

Downhole wellbore indexing tools are necessary to position other devicesand tools that are configured together on a drilling or tubing string,in the course of drilling and extraction of oil, gas, water andminerals. Many of the large oilfield tool providers have some rotationaldevices to position their downhole tools and most are manuallycontrolled or activated from the surface. As problems are encountered orrotation not verified, the drilling or tubing string must be withdrawnand inspected or repositioned. There are no current indexingalternatives to ensure a precise rotation to nearest one degree orprogrammable rotational devices that can be set or adjusted wheneverrequired, unless the indexing tool is withdrawn and removed from thewellbore upon each successive rotation to check for accuracy.

There are other types of hydraulic and electrical motors that serve asrotational devices downhole, and the suspension string itself may becapable of rotating the downhole string and tools, however a drilling ortubing string alone is incapable of providing a precise controlledrotation and will frequently require hydraulic or electrical motors toprovide a drive an additional mechanism downhole to position the tools.At high pressure, under fluid and at depth within the wellboreadditional elements of uncertainty are common, affecting such tools thatutilize motors and their ability to rotate at the desired rates anddistances. High pressure environments downhole pushing inward on therotating components of the tool, create frictional forces that addunique effects on the devices, again affecting the actual expectedresults and indexing positions of the rotating tools.

Even when the drilling or tubing string is rotated on surface there areno assurances that the desired rotation is achieved at the selecteddepth downhole. Adding length to the string significantly increasesweight and uncertainty of rotational accuracy, as does the angle of thewellbore with current methods, proving to be a very ineffective indeviated or horizontal wells due to friction and drag.

Wellbore solid particles are also a problem for rotational devices thatdo not actuate within an enclosed, sealed and protected environment.

There is a need to provide improved downhole wellbore indexing devicesand methods that enable wellbore string device processing to be carriedout more effectively and efficiently.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, there is provided a rotational indexing devicefor indexing a wellbore device downhole. The rotational indexing devicecan comprise a body configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore; arotary actuator configured for rotationally indexing a wellbore device;an electronic controller for controlling the rotary actuator; whereinthe electronic controller is electronically configured to cause therotary actuator to automatically rotate according to a predeterminedindexing sequence; and a power source for powering the controller;wherein the rotary actuator, the controller and the power source areoperatively carried on the body for inserting downhole in the wellbore;and wherein, when the indexing device is disposed downhole and therotary actuator is operatively coupled to the wellbore device to berotated, the indexing device automatically rotates the wellbore devicethrough successive rotational steps according to the predeterminedindexing sequence.

By carrying an electronic controller and power source on the indexingbody and configuring the controller to cause the rotary actuator torotationally index the wellbore device according to a pre-determinedindexing sequence, continuity of the wellbore device action andperformance is maintained without any surface intervention. This reducesand eliminates additional withdrawals and insertions of the drilling ortubing string and devices from the wellbore that were otherwisenecessary for resetting or checking on the status of various devices andtools downhole.

In one example, the electronic controller is electronically configuredto cause the rotary actuator to index the wellbore device throughsuccessive rotational steps at time intervals predetermined to permitcutting, jetting or other wellbore tool functions to be performed by thewellbore device between successive rotational steps.

According to another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for causingan indexing device to index a wellbore device downhole, the apparatuscomprising a memory, such as a computer readable storage medium, storinginstructions which, when processed by one or more processors, cause:initiating timer; in response to an output of the timer, rotating anelectrical mechanical drive carried on the indexing device downholethrough successive rotational steps according to a predeterminedindexing sequence.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided a method forrotational indexing a wellbore device by an indexing device, theindexing device comprising a body configured for inserting downhole in awellbore; a rotary electromechanical drive configured for operablycoupling a wellbore device to be indexed; a electronic controller forcontrolling the rotary actuator; and a power source for powering thecontroller. The method can comprise configuring the electroniccontroller to cause the electro-mechanical drive to automatically rotateaccording to a predetermined indexing sequence; operatively coupling theelectro-mechanical drive to the wellbore device for rotating thewellbore device; inserting the indexing device downhole; automaticallyrotating the wellbore device in the wellbore downhole, utilizing theindexing device, through successive rotational steps according to thepredetermined indexing sequence.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided a wellbore system forindexing a wellbore device. The system can comprise a wellbore devicefor inserting downhole in a wellbore: a rotational indexing device forrotational indexing the wellbore device downhole; wherein the rotationalindexing device comprises: a body configured for inserting downhole inthe wellbore; a rotary actuator configured for operably coupling thewellbore device to rotate the wellbore device; a electronic controllerfor controlling the rotary actuator; wherein the electronic controlleris electronically configured to cause the rotary actuator toautomatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence; anda power source for powering the controller; wherein the rotary actuator,the controller and the power source are operatively carried on the bodyfor inserting downhole in the wellbore; and wherein, when the indexingdevice and wellbore device are disposed downhole and the rotary actuatoris operatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, theindexing device automatically rotates the wellbore string device ordevice thereof through successive rotational steps according to thepredetermined indexing sequence.

According to yet another aspect, a method is provided for jetting awellbore with an automated jetting system, the automated jetting systemcomprising: a lateral jetting string system for inserting into awellbore, the lateral jetting string system including a directionalguide for enabling a jetting hose to be radially deflected towards thewellbore formation; and an indexing device comprising a body configuredfor inserting downhole in a wellbore, a rotary actuator for operablycoupling to the directional guide of the lateral jetting system; anelectronic controller for controlling the rotary actuator; and a powersource for powering the controller. The method can comprise configuringthe electronic controller to cause the rotary actuator to automaticallyrotate the directional guide according to a predetermined indexingsequence; operatively coupling the rotary actuator to the directionalguide of the lateral jetting system for rotating the directional guidedownhole; inserting the indexing device downhole; inserting the lateraljetting system downhole; automatically rotating the directional guide inthe wellbore downhole, utilizing the indexing device, through successiverotational steps according to the predetermined indexing sequence.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided a system for jettinga wellbore with an automated jetting system. The automated jettingsystem can comprise: a lateral jetting string system for inserting intoa wellbore, the lateral jetting string system including a directionalguide for enabling a jetting hose to be radially deflected towards thewellbore formation; and an indexing device comprising a body configuredfor inserting downhole in a wellbore, a rotary actuator for operablycoupling to the directional guide of the lateral jetting system; anelectronic controller for controlling the rotary actuator; and a powersource for powering the controller; wherein the electronic controller isconfigured to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate thedirectional guide according to a predetermined indexing sequence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in detail withreference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a general electro-mechanical block diagram of anindexing device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary assembly ofthe indexing device components of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a general electrical block diagram of the electronicsof the device of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a programmable interface according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary computer system capable of implementinga user interface for programming the indexing device according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary high level logic flow for an autonomouswellbore downhole rotational indexing device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a high level flow chart of a method for operating theautonomous wellbore rotational indexing device to index a wellboredevice according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a high level flow chart of a method manufacturing anindexing device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a wellbore system including an indexing deviceaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an azimuth chart showing one exemplary rotationalprogram of the indexing device of FIG. 9 for casing exit location andlateral jetting according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a morethorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent toone of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known featureshave not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicatingthe description.

The indexing devices and methods of the embodiments described herein arefor rotating a wellbore device within a wellbore. The term wellboredevice is defined herein to mean any type or wellbore tool, stringdevice and/or component thereof which is to be rotated within awellbore. Non-limiting examples of such a wellbore device are a wellborelateral jetting tool component and a whipstock and milling assembly. Thewellbore in which wellbore device is to be rotated may be orientated invertical trajectory but may be oriented any other trajectory, such asbut not limited to a horizontal trajectory.

Technical features described in this application can be used toconstruct various wellbore downhole indexing devices, systems andmethods. In one approach, an autonomous programmable downhole rotationalindexing device is provided, for substantially precisely andprogrammatically imparting rotational motion to a wellbore device, suchas a string or internal tool device, under the mechanical control of theindexing device. It will be appreciated that the indexing device of oneor more embodiments may be configured to provide less than precise orsubstantially precise indexing.

In another approach, a wellbore system has a wellbore device and theaforementioned indexing device. In one example, the wellbore devicecomprises a directional guide for radially guiding a jetting hose and/orfluid therethrough to an opening to the wellbore formation to which thedirectional guide is aligned. The indexing device is programmed forsequentially indexing the directional guide of the wellbore device inalignment with respective corresponding ports or openingscircumferentially distributed around the wellbore so as to enablejetting of the formation to be sequentially performed through therespective openings.

Reference will now be made to the accompany drawings in which FIG. 1 isa system block diagram providing a general overview of a wellboredownhole rotational indexing device according to an embodiment. Indexingdevice 1 has a body 2 configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore.Carried on body 2 is an electronic controller 3, a rotary actuator 4 foroperatively coupling to a wellbore device 6 to be rotated in thewellbore, and a power source 5 for powering the controller and rotaryactuator. Controller 3 is electronically configured to cause the rotaryactuator to automatically rotate according to a predetermined indexingsequence. When indexing device 1 is disposed downhole and the rotaryactuator 4 is operatively coupled to the wellbore device, indexingdevice 1 automatically rotates the wellbore device through successiverotational steps according to the pre-determined indexing sequence.

The automated indexing sequence is predetermined by the electroniccontroller hardware and/or software configuration and depends on theparticular wellbore application. The automated indexing sequence ispredetermined such that indexing device is capable of indexing thewellbore device through successive steps at predefined time intervalsthat are selected to permit cutting, jetting or other wellbore toolfunctions to be performed by the wellbore device between successiverotational steps.

By carrying an electronic controller and power source on the indexingbody and configuring the controller to cause the rotary actuator torotational index the wellbore device according to a pre-determinedindexing sequence, continuity of the wellbore device action andperformance is maintained without any surface intervention. This reducesand eliminates additional withdrawals and insertions of the drilling ortubing string and devices from the wellbore that were otherwisenecessary for resetting or check on the status of various devices andtools downhole.

In the example of the indexing device of FIG. 1, electronic controller 3is a digital controller. The digital controller comprises one or moreprocessors and memory containing instructions, which when executed bythe one or more processors, cause the rotary actuator to automaticallyrotate in the predetermined indexing sequence. In another non-limitingexample, the controller is an analog controller.

Controller 3 initiates the indexing sequence in response to an internaltrigger signal, such as from an internal pre-determined timer signal.Alternatively, controller 3 initiates the indexing sequence in responseto a manual trigger, such as an electro-mechanical switched activated bya user, or in response to a sensor or transducer signal, such as asignal from a transducer or sensor carried on the indexing body 2 orcarried on an external device.

In one example of the indexing device of FIG. 1, the rotary actuator isan electromechanical drive comprising an electrical stepper motor orother type of electrical servo motor. However, other types of rotaryactuators may be adopted such as pneumatic or hydraulic rotaryactuators. Indexing device 1 of FIG. 1 may include a pressure transducer7, temperature sensor 8 and signal conditioner 6. The pressuretransducer and temperature sensors may be carried on indexing devicebody 2 or carried on external devices and operatively connected tocontroller 3.

In the example of the indexing device shown in FIG. 1, the indexingsequence is pre-programmable via a programmable user interface 10operatively connectable to controller 3. Programmable user interface 10is a remote user interface connectable to input port 9 for interfacingand programming the controller to perform a particular indexingsequence. In another non-limiting example, user interface 10 is a localuser interface carried on the body of the index device.

User interface 10 may be a software based user interface such as agraphical user interface comprising a display 11, one or more user inputdevices 12 and interface software. Alternatively or additionally, userinterface may be a physical based user interface comprising functionspecific buttons, touch sensitive keys and other physical user inputdevices for programming purposes.

Power source 5 is any type of battery or other portable power sourcecarried on indexing device body 2 for powering the electroniccontroller, electrical mechanical drive and any other components thatrequire electrical power so that the indexing device is capable ofrunning in an autonomous mode downhole in the wellbore. In one exampleof FIG. 1, the power source 5 is one or more rechargeable batteries thatmay be recharged using a suitable battery charger that is connectable tothe batteries via an input port 9.

Reference will now be made FIG. 2 which is a cross sectional viewshowing a non-limiting example of how indexing device components of FIG.1 are assembled together according to one embodiment. In thisnon-limiting example, the indexing body of FIG. 1 comprises a protectivesealed cylindrical housing 403 of outside diameter 423 and motor-gearboxhousing 409 which carries the rotary actuator. Viewing from right toleft, end cap 401 provides stability and connection to the internalcomponent carrier and housing 403, to contain a circulation element,with pre-engineered flow ports for secondary low pressure operabilitywithin the wellbore and access to the input and output ports of theelectronics. Electronics 407 includes the electronic controller andassociated electrical components of FIG. 1. The power source is abattery 405 for powering servos as well as the electronics 407 in theirinsulated compartment.

In FIG. 2, the rotary actuator is an electrical-mechanical drivecomprising electrical motor and gearbox 411. A mechanical coupling isprovided to operatively couple the motor to the wellbore device (notshown) to be indexed. The mechanical coupling includes a shaft 415 whichcouples the motor and gearbox 411 at one end and which has an oppositeend for operative connection to the wellbore device to be indexed. Shaftcoupling 417 with needle roller bearing 419 support the shaft to freelyrotate with up shaft needle roller bearing, top sub 425, spring shoulder427, wave washer 431, rotary seal retainer 433, rotary seal 435,external coupling 437, load ring 439, wave washer 441, and thrustwashers 443 are assembled in a cylinder along the string axis forrotational support as well as axial thrust forces. It will beappreciated that such mechanical coupling is but one non-limitingexample of mechanical coupling that may be utilized for operativelycoupling rotary actuator 411 to a wellbore device. Furthermore, it willbe appreciate that, in some applications, such intermediate mechanicalcoupling may not be part of the electromechanical drive of the indexingdevice. For example, the electrical motor or other rotary actuatorcarried on the indexing device body may be configured to directly engagewith mechanical coupling that is external of the indexing device, suchas the mechanical coupling of the wellbore device to be indexed.

A transducer sub assembly 421 along with transducers strategicallyplaced provides pressure data and stall data to the electronics 407 forfurther processing. A temperature sensor, pressure sensor and/or flowsensor 443 are also shown supported by the housing 403. At least onepower source 405 is used to power the electronics 407 and mechanicaldrive train to impart rotational repositioning of the drill string.

The high pressure static and rotary seals 433 and 435 are redressable,allowing for the removal and replacement of the seals 435. Pressuretransducers, not shown, are included in the electronics and some mayactually be placed near a cutter device, not shown. In one example, theindexing device controller retains an accurate log of all pertinentwellbore conditions and events transpiring downhole, that are relevantto the overall operation.

A general block diagram showing one example of the electronics 407 ofFIG. 2 is shown FIG. 3. Electronics 407 includes the digital controller,which includes one or more processors 807, an onboard memory 803 and anI/O interface 811 communicating with the servo motor of the rotaryactuator electro-mechanical drive for physically turning a shaft. Theservo motor with coupled gearbox in the drive train are electronicallycontrolled by the controller in accordance with an executing controlprogram. Memory 803 stores computer program instructions which, whenexecuted by the one or more processors 807, cause the electrical motorservo to automatically rotate in the predetermined indexing sequence. Inone example, the digital controller and electrical motor are configuredto control the motor to impart precise pre-stored azimuthal rotationangles and rotation delays to the shaft 415. Such precision may beachieved utilizing suitable stepper motors for example.

The autonomous wellbore indexing of FIG. 2 provides ways tosubstantially precisely index drilling or tubing string, or equipment,tools or devices in the wellbore without having to withdraw and removethe string from the wellbore upon each successive rotation to check foraccuracy or resetting it. The indexing device of FIG. 2 actuates withinan enclosed and protected environment to accomplish the efficientrotational indexing required to locate the casing holes or exits, and iscapable of stepping through a lateral rotational sequence in a harshenvironment while being able to take into account and recover fromevents such as stalls. The indexing device of FIG. 2 is an example of asealed, precision actuation device that can be programmed to positiondownhole tools, if necessary, in exactly the right direction once at adesired depth in the wellbore, and to be automatically rotated toadditional precise positions at any time required while remaining withinthe wellbore.

FIG. 4 shows one non-limiting example of the programmable user interfaceof FIG. 1 for programming the indexing device to perform a particularindexing sequence according to one embodiment. Interface 200 facilitatesthe autonomous character of the device through pre-programming a pre-setsequence 201 of user inputs that will control the indexer motions in thedownhole position. Rotation degree angle 202 input 203 refers to theangular position of the windows. Windows correspond to passageways,holes or exits downhole in the wellbore casing and/or formation itself,or simply circumferential points in space, to which the wellbore deviceis to be sequentially rotated by the indexing device. The delays referto the time intervals between successive rotations. Settings of therespective delays and windows, depend on the particular wellboreapplication and/or type of wellbore string device, tool or component tobe rotated.

The windows may for example be evenly or unevenly circumferentiallyspaced apart from one another. The first window is assigned zero degreeswith the remaining windows being spaced from that datum. The 1^(st)delay 205 input represents the initial delay in accepted units of time,from the arming time until the device shaft begins to rotate for thefirst time from initialization. The 2^(nd) delay 207 input representsthe period, in acceptable time units, between the rotations. A minimumtime may optionally limit this period to allow for motion and for smallerrors in timing, so that rotations do not occur without systemreadiness. In some embodiments, the window spacing is not evenlydistributed around the casing circumference. A next pre-set inputrepresents the next rotation movement and a pre-programmed sequence candirect uneven rotation angles at other than evenly spaced windows.

A row of button commands 211 include a Home, Reset, Diagnostics, ScreenRefresh and reports. The Home button selection returns the actuator toits home, zero degree, position. The Screen refresh button refreshes thescreen. The Reset button clears non-volatile memory and sets Stalls 221,Moves 223, and Maximum Temp 215 sensed and recorded 213 to zero. Sensedand measured parameters are stored and some output read-only variables213 are displayed. These include Maximum Temperature 215, Temperature217 in the hole, Battery voltage 219, Stalls 221, Movements 223, andpressure transducer data 225 227.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer systemcapable of implementing the user interface and programming for theindexing device. The computer system 100 is a Central Processing Unit103, Memory 107, network interface card 111, Display Screen 132, MassStorage interface 108 for such devices 113 as hard drive(s) removabledisk drives, I/O buses 112 and 114, Memory Buses 104, etc. For purposesof illustration, embodiments are provided by way of example in thecontext of a simple environment for a programmable application forcontrolling the downhole substantially precise rotational movement withcontingency logic branches.

Computer system 100 includes at least one processor unit 103, whichobtains instructions and data via a system bus 104 from a main memory107. Illustratively, the processor is a microprocessor. The main memory107 could be one or a combination of memory devices, including RandomAccess Memory 122, dynamic, nonvolatile or backup memory, (e.g.,programmable or Flash memories, read-only memories, etc.) and the like.In addition, memory 107 may be considered to include memory physicallylocated elsewhere in a computer system 100, for example, any storagecapacity used as virtual memory or stored on a mass storage device 113or on another computer coupled to the computer system 100 via system bus104. Illustratively, the main memory 107 contains executable programs,which manage the hardware and control the software programs 105. The ROM120, BIOS 121, and Operating System 125 are a system of programs, whichmanage the hardware and software resources for the use and running ofapplication programs. The memory 107 may further contain diagnosticprograms 126. In one embodiment, the application is a mechanicalcomponent initialization controller.

Program modules 126 and Program data 128 would typically also beresident in main memory 107 along with other programs 125 which can bepaged or swapped in from other memory sources, local 108 or networked117. Software components and objects are but parts of programs, whichreside together in various regions of addressable memory and areexecuted to produce the necessary application functions. Softwarecomponents and objects themselves can be broken down into datastructures and programming logic which use the data structures.Generally, application program modules 126 include processes, programs,objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasksto manage sensor data, interpret and autonomously execute remedialactions in the form of pre-programmed instructions.

The computer system 100 includes a number of subsystems. Illustratively,these include a mass storage interface 108 in communication with storagedevice 113, which can be such devices as hard disk drives, optical diskdrives, CD/DVD, portable memory, memory sticks/cards, optical storage,at least one input/output (I/O) interface 109 coupled to I/O devices 115such as modems, wireless broadcaster devices, audio, communication viaserial protocol bus 114 such as IEEE 802.xx, Firewire, USB, RS232 etc,and a network interface 111 coupled to a plurality of networked devices117 which can be mass storage, other computers, wireless devices andother networked devices. The I/O devices 114 may include any combinationof externally coupled devices such as displays, keyboards, track pointdevices, mouse devices, sensor and sensor data output devices and thelike. In some embodiments, the I/O devices are integrated, such as inthe case of a touch screen or display panel. The networked devices 117could be displays, desktop, laptop or tablet computers, or networkterminals, wireless handheld or other networked computer systems. Assuch, aspects of the invention can be practiced on a single computersystem as well as over a network of computer devices.

A number of program modules may be stored on the mass storage device113, ROM 120 or RAM 122, including an operating system 125, one or moreapplication programs 126 and program data 128. A user may enter commandsand information into the workstation 100 through input serial devices115 such as a keyboard or pointing device. Other input devices (notshown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish,scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connectedto the processing unit 103 through a serial port interface 115 that iscoupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interfaces,such as a parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). Amonitor 132 or other type of display device, not used in the downholeoperations, can be connected to the system bus 104 via an interface,such as a video adapter 108. In addition to the monitor, computerstypically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such asspeakers and printers, not used in the downhole operational state, canbe used in data retrieval and post-processing. Furthermore, the I/Ointerface 134 is reads input data 136 from transducers, temperaturesensors, flow sensors, stress gages and other sensors which allow forthe logic to compensate and adjust automatically to the conditionsbelow. The I/O interface 134 also communicates with the servo(s) 136,for commanding rotation movement of the shaft through servos 137 to veryprecise angles with timed intervals.

In one example, the computer system 100 may operate in a networkedenvironment using logical connections to one or more remote computers,such as a remote computer 117. The remote computer 117 may be anothercomputer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or othercommon network node, cell-PDA, smartphone and typically includes many orall of the elements described above relative to the computer 100. Thelogical connections depicted in FIG. 1 include a local area network(LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). Such networking can be extended tomobile devices executing mobile apps as well.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 100 is connectedto the local network 117 through a network interface or adapter 111.When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 100 can connectvia modem 115 or other means for establishing communications over thewide area network 117, such as the Internet. The modem 115, which may beinternal or external, is connected to the system bus 114 via the serialport interface 109. In a networked environment, program modules depictedrelative to the computer 100, or portions thereof, may be stored in theremote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the networkconnections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing acommunications link between the computers may be used. Computing deviceswith wireless communications such as cell phones, smartphones, textmessage devices or other handheld devices running electronicapplications or apps in hardware may be used.

As indicated hereinbefore, the system, as described in relation to FIG.5, can be split and disseminated in several parts or network clouds. Allthat is required, in the embodiments, is that a system can be providedcapable of providing the user interface and programming functionality ofthe embodiments described herein. Programming can be performed eitherremotely in the computer system and the program downloaded to theindexing device via a suitable wired or wireless connection to theindexing device controller or can be performed by programming thecontroller directly via a local or direct user interface. Furthermore,it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the computer systemmay be carried on the indexing body itself and may serve as the digitalcontroller of the indexing device or supplement the digital controllerfor driving the indexing device to index the wellbore string device inthe pre-determined indexing sequence.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary high level logic flow diagram for theindexing device according to an embodiment. A person of ordinary skillwould understand that the high level logic flow is not limited to thesequence of processes shown in FIG. 6. At power-up logic starts 301 andexecutes a hardware and software initialization 303. By way of example,if a programming cable for enabling programming, or downloading apredetermined indexing sequence program, to the indexing device isdisconnected from the indexing device and the internal battery isconnected 305, the timer begins and the device is rotated to its homeposition 306. This indicates that the device is now in running mode andis going or is soon to be in the downhole state. The pre-set sequence307 for rotation, and movement delays are then executed in accordancewith the stored pre-sets.

The sensors are continuously monitoring 307 and storing data from sensorsignals such as, temperature signals, transducer signals, flow signals,pressure, stress, position, proximity, optical, acoustic, vibration,magnetic, force sensor, raising any found threshold exceptions, andraising pre-set action trigger interrupts for real-time autonomousresponse from the device in the downhole.

Otherwise, the logic threads to the interface program mode 309 whichprovides for entering a pre-set sequence of rotation and delay commands,and alternatively manages a case statement 311 which waits on userinputs for screen refresh 313, device rotation to home position 315,diagnostics 317 routines, reset of non-volatile memory 319, reportingstored data 325 post processing, and ending the program 323 loop whichreturns 321 the program execution or loops back to main program 309mode.

The diagnostics 317 data will record the maximum temperature andpressure encountered, the number of attempts to move and the number ofstall conditions encountered. These are stored in non-volatile memory topreserver them after power is turned off. After each sequence, theprogram may be re-armed by disconnecting and reconnecting power.

Reference will now be made to the method for indexing a wellbore deviceutilizing the wellbore downhole rotational indexing device according toone embodiment. A general outline of the method 600 for indexing awellbore device according to an embodiment is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 7. Initially, the indexing device is pre-configured byprogramming it for automatically rotating a string device to be rotateddownhole (601). To this end, a user pre-configures the indexing deviceutilizing the interface 200 to program a pre-determined sequence 201 ofuser inputs described above that will control the rotational indexingmotions whilst downhole. The particular pre-configuration will varydepending on the particular application and type of string device andtool, and/or component thereof to be rotated.

Following pre-configuration process 601, the indexing device is placedin the run mode whereby the program timer begins and the device preparedto be deployed in to a downhole state (602). The autonomous rotationalindexing device is operatively coupled to the wellbore device that is tobe rotated downhole (603). More than wellbore device can be operativelycoupled to the autonomous indexing device. In one example, thisoperatively coupling can be achieved by coupling the free drive shaftend of the autonomous indexing device (see FIG. 2) to a drive shaft ofthe string device or tool device, and/or component thereof, to berotated (not shown). Operatively coupling of the autonomous indexingdevice to the string device or tool device can be performed eitheruphole or downhole. Furthermore, the autonomous indexing device can beoperatively coupled to the wellbore device such that, in the wellbore,the autonomous indexing device is either uphole or downhole from thewellbore device.

The wellbore device to be rotated is then sequentially rotatedautomatically by the indexing device through respective predefined andprogrammed rotational angles at respective predefined time intervals. Inthe example of the indexing device of FIG. 2, this is achieved by thecontroller causing the servo motor to rotate the wellbore device throughthe predefined rotation angles and at the predefined time intervals.Wellbore and/or tool data, such as performance data, is monitored andcollected by the autonomous indexing device (605). For example, thepressure, temperature and operational parameters inside the wellbore canbe monitored by the autonomous indexing device using the sensors makingup part of the autonomous indexing device.

A person of ordinary skill would understand that method 600 is notlimited to the sequence of process shown in FIG. 7. For example, theprocess of running the autonomous indexing device (602) can be performedafter operatively coupling the indexing device the wellbore device to berotated (603). The process of monitoring and collecting tool and/orwellbore data can be performed either before, concurrently and/or afterautomatically rotating the string device or tool device, or componentthereof, with the autonomous indexing device. Furthermore, in oneexample of the method 600, the autonomous indexing device can already beprovided in a pre-configured and programmed condition and is not changednor modified so that the process 601 of pre-configuring the indexingdevice is redundant.

In one example, the autonomous rotational indexing device impartssubstantially precise torque to an attached wellbore downhole device andis delivers vital wellbore and tool performance data from its sensors.If the transducers signal a stall, no movement to a set threshold shafttorque, the control program will stop and retry in several strategies ofwait and retract. In one embodiment, indexing device can send alerts toupground. All performance and sensor data will be stored and logged, forretrieval later.

A method for manufacturing an autonomous wellbore downhole rotationalindexing device according to one embodiment will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 8 shows a high level flowchart outline of a method for an autonomous wellbore downhole rotationalindexing. A person of ordinary skill would understand that method 500 isnot limited to the sequence of processes shown in FIG. 7. The methodsteps include designing, making and installing a motor driven shaftinside of a cylindrical housing 503; supporting the shaft in the housingwith bearings, washers, lubrication and seals 505; constructing thehousing capable of withstanding wellbore downhole environmentalconditions 507; assembling the motor driven shaft operatively connectedto a servo and gears, to rotate the shaft 509; powering the servo withan independent battery source within the housing 511; electronicallycoupling the servo to a controller for imparting rotational movement tothe shaft upon command 513; securing sensors within the housing tomonitor conditions inside and outside the housing 515; electronicallycoupling the controller to memory, sensors and battery 519; electricallycoupling sensors to controller I/O 521; operatively coupling shaft to atleast one string device in the downhole to be rotated 523; creating,receiving and storing programming logic into the memory, logiccomprising servo commands for rotating shaft with timed rotation anglesand set time delays between rotation angle moves 525; programming logicresponsive to sensor readings, for autonomous response to stalls andpre-set environmental conditions 527, and for controller executingprogramming logic for imparting substantially precise pre-definedazimuthal rotation angles and at predefined time intervals to the stringdevice 529.

Reference will now be made to a wellbore system for indexing adirectional tool according to an embodiment. The wellbore system has awellbore string device, comprising or including a rotatable directionalguide, and a rotational indexing device for rotational indexing thedirectional guide downhole in the wellbore. FIG. 9 illustrates oneexample of such a wellbore system 900. In this particular example, thestring device is a lateral jetting system 902 for laterally jetting theformation. The lateral jetting system has a body 903 comprisingdirectional guide 906 which is slidably rotatable inside a casing 905 ofthe lateral jetting system 902. Rotational indexing device 950 isoperably coupled to the lateral jetting system for rotating directionalguide 906 inside the casing 905.

In another example, the directional guide may be fixed in the jettingsystem 902 and the entire lateral jetting system 902 may be rotatablewithin the wellbore.

Rotational indexing device 950 has electro-mechanical components andassembly thereof according to any one of the examples of the indexingdevice embodiments described hereinbefore but has a housing/casing andcoupling adapted for engagement with the lateral jetting system.

Indexing device 950 is fixedly supported within the wellbore in a mannerthat enables the indexing device to rotateably index the lateral jettingsystem directional guide in response to instructions from the indexingdevice controller. In the particular example of FIG. 9, indexing device950 is a unitary assembly that is disposed and supported from thelateral jetting system and functions autonomously. In the example ofFIG. 9, the coupling end of the indexing device 950 is fixed andsupported from the corresponding coupling end of the lateral jettingsystem 902. Indexing casing end 954 is fixed to complimentary profiledend of lateral jetting system casing 905 such that the indexing deviceis supported by the lateral jetting system casing.

In other embodiments, the indexing device may be supported in other waysindependent from the lateral jetting system but with the indexing devicerotary actuator operatively coupled thereto. For example, the indexingdevice may be arranged in an operating position coupled to the lateralsystem but supported by a wellbore sidewall structure separate from thelateral jetting system, or supported by a another wellbore string devicethat is either interposing the lateral jet system and indexing device ordisposed on a side of the indexing device opposite the side on which thelateral jetting system is disposed.

Coupling 955 includes a rotational spline 953 operatively connected tothe rotary actuator which in this example comprises a stepper motor (notshown in FIG. 9) of the indexing device. Spline 953 is adapted to matewith a corresponding element 956 carried on or operatively coupled tothe directional guide 906 such that rotational movement of the rotaryactuator rotates guide 906 within casing 905 about the central axis ofthe casing.

Lateral jetting system casing 905 has a plurality of access ports orjetting orifices 907 distributed circumferentially about the casing. Inthe example of FIG. 9, the directional guide 906 comprises a jettingtrough rotateably mounted within the casing 905 for enabling a jettinghose seated in the trough to be radially deflected towards or into aformation via the ports 907. However, the directional guide can be ofany shaped passageway that is capable of serving as a guide for guidingfluid and/or a hose or nozzle from the lateral jetting system outwardlyradially into the formation through a port or other jetting orifice withwhich the directional guide is aligned by the indexing device.

FIG. 9 is an example of the lateral jetting system directional guide 906aligned with a corresponding hole in the casing 907. Whilst in theexample, casing 905 has 4 circumferentially spaced apart holes 907,casing 905 may have any number of holes such as 1, 6, 8 and so on.

The indexing device indexing sequence is programmed via the userinterface by setting the index windows to correspond to angularpositions of the respective circumferentially spaced casing hole orports 907 with which the directional guide 906 is to be aligned byindexing device 950 and through which a jetting hose and nozzle (notshown) of the lateral jetting tool will access the formation for thepurpose of lateral jetting and extended reach stimulation. The delaysare set to so that there is sufficient time between rotations forlateral jetting to be performed by the lateral jetting system. Whenindexing device 950 and lateral jetting system 902 are disposed downholewith the indexing device operatively coupled to the directional guide906 to be rotated, indexing device 950 automatically rotates the lateraljetting system directional guide through successive rotational stepsaccording to the predetermined indexing sequence.

A method for jetting a wellbore with an automated jetting system willnow be described with reference to the system of FIG. 9. Initially, theelectronic controller of the indexing device 950 is pre-configured tocause the electro-mechanical drive to automatically rotate according toa predetermined indexing sequence that is desired for operation of thelateral jetting system 902. In one example, the indexing device isprogrammed uphole via the remote or local user interface to sequentiallyrotate the jetting directional guide 906 in alignment with respectivecircumferentially spaced ports 907 of the lateral jetting system casingthrough which lateral jetting is desired. Time intervals and lateraldegree intervals between the rotations are programmed so that adequatetime is provided between each incremental sequenced rotation of thedirectional guide by the indexing device to permit: 1) lateral insertionof a jetting hose, nozzle and assembly through the directional guide 906and into the particular casing hole or opening 907 to which thedirectional guide has been aligned by the indexing device, 2) performthe required lateral jetting and extended reach stimulation operation,and 3) retract the lateral jetting hose, nozzle and assembly from theparticular casing hole or opening 907 prior to the next index rotationof the lateral jetting system directional guide 906. Examples of suchtime and indexing angle intervals are illustrated in FIG. 10.

Once pre-programmed, the indexing device 950 is attached to the lateraljetting system for rotating the wellbore device. Indexing device 950alternatively be attached to the lateral jetting system 902 prior topre-programming. The indexing device program sequence is initiated andthe lateral jetting system with the indexing device attached theretoinserted in the wellbore to an operating position downhole. An exampleof the indexing and jetting operations is as follows. The indexingdevice rotary actuator rotates the directional guide to a first jettingposition in which the directional guide 906 is aligned with a first oneof the lateral jetting holes/orifices 907. A jetting hose, nozzle andassembly is laterally inserted through the directional guide 906 andinto the wellbore formation via the particular casing hole or opening907 to which the directional guide has been aligned by the indexingdevice. Lateral jetting and extended reach stimulation operation, isthen performed. The lateral jetting hose, nozzle and assembly areretracted from the particular casing hole or opening 907 prior to thenext index rotation of the lateral jetting system directional guide 906to a second jetting position in which the directional guide is alignedwith a second one of the jetting orifices. Jetting is then performed viathe second jetting orifice or opening. The indexing and jettingcontinues as necessary.

As illustrated by the aforementioned embodiments, the indexing device ofone or more embodiments provides a more precise and smarter rotationalfunction, accounting for such external downhole parameters such asrotation device stall, device stall recovery sequences and wellborerecovery of pressures and temperatures, before, during and after theoperation.

Therefore, while the invention has been described with respect to alimited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefitof this invention, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devisedwhich do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein.Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the followingdescription and the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rotational indexing device for indexing awellbore device downhole; the rotational indexing device comprising: abody configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore; a rotary actuatorconfigured for rotationally indexing a wellbore device; a electroniccontroller for controlling said rotary actuator; wherein said electroniccontroller is electronically configured to cause the rotary actuator toautomatically rotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence; anda power source for powering said controller; wherein said rotaryactuator, said controller and said power source are operatively carriedon said body for inserting downhole in said wellbore; and wherein, whenthe indexing device is disposed downhole and the rotary actuator isoperatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, the indexingdevice automatically rotates the wellbore device through successiverotational steps according to said predetermined indexing sequence. 2.The indexing device of claim 1, wherein said electronic controller iselectronically configured to cause the rotary actuator to index thewellbore device through successive rotational steps at time intervalspredetermined to permit cutting, jetting or other wellbore toolfunctions to be performed by the wellbore device between successiverotational steps.
 3. The indexing device of claim 2, wherein saidwellbore device comprises a directional guide of a lateral jettingsystem; said directional guide being configured for substantiallyradially deflecting towards the wellbore formation a jetting hose and/orfluid disposed in the directional guide.
 4. The indexing device of claim3, wherein said rotary actuator comprises an electro-mechanical rotarydrive.
 5. The indexing device of claim 4, wherein said indexing bodycomprises a housing substantially enclosing said electro-mechanicaldrive, said controller and said power source.
 6. The indexing device ofclaim 2, wherein said indexing device is further configured forattaching to said wellbore device, or a string device connected thereto,such that said indexing device is supported downhole by said wellboredevice or string device.
 7. The indexing device of claim 1, wherein saidelectronic controller is configured to initiate the indexing sequence inresponse to an internal timer signal.
 8. The indexing device of claim 1,wherein said electronic controller comprises a digital controller. 9.The indexing device of claim 8, wherein said electronic digitalcontroller comprises, one or more processors and memory, said memorycontaining instructions which, when executed by one or more processors,cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate in the predeterminedindexing sequence.
 10. The indexing device of claim 9, wherein saidelectronic digital controller is further configured for monitoringsignals from one or more formation sensors, wellbore sensors and/orwellbore equipment sensors.
 11. The indexing device of claim 8, whereinsaid digital controller comprises a pre-programmable digital controllerfor pre-programming a particular index sequence to be executed by saidindexing device downhole.
 12. The indexing device of claim 11, furthercomprising a programmable user interface carried on said indexing bodyfor pre-programming said digital controller.
 13. The indexing device ofclaim 11, wherein said digital controller is further configured to beconnectable to an auxiliary programmable user interface forpre-programming said digital controller.
 14. The indexing device ofclaim 13, wherein said digital controller is configured to beconnectable to a computer comprising said auxiliary programmable userinterface for pre-programming said digital controller.
 15. The indexingdevice of claim 8, wherein said digital controller is further configuredto be connectable to an auxiliary electronic device and to receive fromsaid auxiliary electronic device a predetermined indexing sequenceprogram for causing said indexing device to automatically rotate saidelectro-mechanical drive according to the predetermined indexingsequence.
 16. An apparatus for indexing a wellbore device downhole, theapparatus comprising a memory storing instructions which, when processedby one or more processors, cause: initiating timer; in response to anoutput of said timer, rotating an electrical mechanical drive carried onthe indexing device downhole through successive rotational stepsaccording to a predetermined indexing sequence.
 16. A computer readablestorage medium for indexing a wellbore device downhole, the computerreadable storage medium carrying instructions which, when processed byone or more processors cause: initiating timer; in response to an outputof said timer, rotating an electrical mechanical drive carried on theindexing device downhole through successive rotational steps accordingto a predetermined indexing sequence.
 17. A method for rotationalindexing a wellbore device by an indexing device, the indexing devicecomprising a body configured for inserting downhole in a wellbore; arotary electromechanical drive configured for operably coupling awellbore device to be indexed; a electronic controller for controllingsaid rotary actuator; and a power source for powering said controller;the method comprising configuring said electronic controller to causethe electro-mechanical drive to automatically rotate according to apredetermined indexing sequence; operatively coupling saidelectro-mechanical drive to the wellbore device for rotating saidwellbore device; inserting said indexing device downhole; automaticallyrotating the wellbore device in the wellbore downhole, utilizing theindexing device, through successive rotational steps according to saidpredetermined indexing sequence.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinautomatically rotating the wellbore device in the wellbore downholefurther comprises rotating said wellbore device through successiverotational steps at time intervals predetermined to permit cutting,jetting or other wellbore tool functions to be performed by the wellboredevice between successive rotational steps.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein operatively coupling said electro-mechanical drive to thewellbore device for rotating said wellbore device comprises operativelycoupling a shaft associated with an electrical motor of said drive tosaid wellbore device.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein inserting saidindexing device downhole comprises attaching said indexing device tosaid wellbore device uphole and inserting said indexing device attachedto said wellbore device downhole in said wellbore.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising, preparatory to inserting said indexingdevice and said wellbore device downhole, setting a timer for initiatingthe indexing sequence; and initiating said indexing sequence with saidindexing device downhole in response to said timer.
 22. The method ofclaim 17 further comprising processing signals from a pressuretransducer and/or temperature sensor located on or in the vicinity ofsaid indexing device.
 23. The method of claim 17 further comprisingpre-programming said electronic controller for causing said indexingdevice to execute a particular index sequence downhole.
 24. The methodof claim 23, further comprising operatively connecting said electroniccontroller to an auxiliary programmable user interface forpre-programming said controller.
 25. The method of claim 24, furthercomprising operatively connecting said electronic controller to anauxiliary electronic device; and receiving from said electronic devicein said electronic controller a predetermined indexing sequence programfor causing said indexing device to automatically rotate said rotaryactuator according to the predetermined indexing sequence.
 26. Themethod of claim 17, wherein operatively coupling said electro-mechanicaldrive to the wellbore device for rotating said wellbore device;comprises operatively coupling said electro-mechanical drive to adirectional guide of a lateral jetting system; and wherein automaticallyrotating the wellbore device in the wellbore downhole through successiverotational steps includes rotating said directional guide from a firstposition in which said directional guide is aligned with a first port oropening for accessing the formation to a second port or opening after atime interval predetermined to permit jetting to be performed via saidfirst port or opening.
 27. A wellbore system for indexing a wellboredevice, the system comprising: a wellbore device for inserting downholein a wellbore: a rotational indexing device for rotational indexing saidwellbore device downhole; wherein said rotational indexing devicecomprises: a body configured for inserting downhole in said wellbore; arotary actuator configured for operably coupling said wellbore device torotate said wellbore device; a electronic controller for controllingsaid rotary actuator; wherein said electronic controller iselectronically configured to cause the rotary actuator to automaticallyrotate according to a predetermined indexing sequence; and a powersource for powering said controller; wherein said rotary actuator, saidcontroller and said power source are operatively carried on said bodyfor inserting downhole in said wellbore; and wherein, when the indexingdevice and wellbore device are disposed downhole and the rotary actuatoris operatively coupled to the wellbore device to be rotated, theindexing device automatically rotates the wellbore string device ordevice thereof through successive rotational steps according to saidpredetermined indexing sequence.
 28. The system of claim 27, whereinsaid wellbore device comprises a directional guide of a lateral jettingstring system for enabling a jetting hose to be radially deflectedtowards or into a formation; wherein said rotary actuator is operablycoupled to said directional guide for rotating said directional guidebetween a first jetting position in which the directional guide isaligned with a first opening for accessing the formation and a secondjetting position in which the directional guide is aligned with a secondopening for accessing the formation, circumferentially spaced from thefirst opening, for accessing the formation; and wherein said electroniccontroller is electronically configured to cause the rotary actuator toautomatically index said directional guide from said first jettingposition to second jetting position at time interval predetermined topermit said lateral jetting system to sequentially perform jettingthrough said first opening and said second opening.
 29. The system ofclaim 27, wherein said jetting trough is rotateably mounted within acasing of said lateral jetting system for enabling said jetting hose tobe radially deflected from the casing; wherein said casing has aplurality of jetting orifices circumferentially distributed about thecasing; and wherein said rotary actuator comprises an electromechanicaldrive operably coupled to said jetting trough for rotating said jettingtrough between a first jetting position in which the jetting trough isaligned with a first one of said jetting orifices and a second jettingposition in which the jetting trough is aligned with a second one ofsaid jetting orifices; and wherein said electronic controller iselectronically configured to cause the electro-mechanical drive tosequentially index said jetting trough from said first jetting positionto said second jetting position at a time interval predetermined topermit said lateral jetting system for sequentially performing jettingat said first jetting position and said second jetting position.
 30. Thesystem of claim 29, further comprising a jetting hose adapted foradvancing in the lateral jetting system such that the jet hose seatswithin the jetting trough and is radially deflected along the jettingtrough to said jetting orifice.
 31. The system of claim 29, wherein saidindexing device comprises a housing substantially enclosing saidelectro-mechanical drive, said controller and said power source.
 32. Thesystem of claim 31 wherein said indexing device is further configuredfor attaching to said lateral jetting system, such that said indexingdevice is supported downhole by said lateral jetting system.
 33. Thesystem of claim 31, wherein said electronic controller is configured toinitiate the indexing sequence in response to an internal timer signal.34. The system of claim 31, wherein said electronic controller comprisesa digital controller.
 35. The system of claim 31, wherein saidelectronic digital controller comprises, one or more processors andmemory, said memory containing instructions which, when executed by oneor more processors, cause the electro-mechanical drive to automaticallyrotate in the predetermined indexing sequence.
 36. The system of claim35, wherein said electronic digital controller is further configured formonitoring signals from one or more formation sensors, wellbore sensorsand/or wellbore equipment sensors.
 37. The system of claim 36, whereinsaid digital controller comprises a pre-programmable digital controllerfor pre-programming a particular index sequence to be executed by saidindexing device downhole.
 38. The system of claim 37, wherein saiddigital controller is further configured to be connectable to anauxiliary electronic device and to receive from said electronic device apredetermined indexing sequence program for causing said indexing deviceto automatically rotate said electro-mechanical drive according to thepredetermined indexing sequence.
 39. A method for jetting a wellborewith an automated jetting system, the automated jetting systemcomprising: a lateral jetting string system for inserting into awellbore, said lateral jetting string system including a directionalguide for enabling a jetting hose to be radially deflected towards thewellbore formation; and an indexing device comprising a body configuredfor inserting downhole in a wellbore, a rotary actuator for operablycoupling to said directional guide of said lateral jetting system; anelectronic controller for controlling said rotary actuator; and a powersource f or powering said controller; the method comprising configuringsaid electronic controller to cause the rotary actuator to automaticallyrotate said directional guide according to a predetermined indexingsequence; operatively coupling said rotary actuator to the directionalguide of said lateral jetting system for rotating said directional guidedownhole; inserting said indexing device downhole; inserting saidlateral jetting system downhole; automatically rotating the directionalguide in the wellbore downhole, utilizing the indexing device, throughsuccessive rotational steps according to said predetermined indexingsequence.
 40. The method of claim 39 wherein configuring said electroniccontroller to cause the rotary actuator to automatically rotate saiddirectional guide according to a predetermined indexing sequence;comprises configuring said electronic controller to cause aelectro-mechanical drive of said indexing device to automatically rotatesaid directional guide according to said predetermined indexingsequence.
 41. The method of claim 38, further comprising rotating saiddirectional guide into a first jetting position in which saiddirectional guide is aligned with a first opening to the wellboreformation; laterally deflecting a jetting hose through the directionalguide into the formation via said first opening; performing lateraljetting utilizing said jetting hose inserted into the formation via saidfirst opening; retracting the lateral jetting hose from the formationvia said first opening; and automatically rotating said directionalguide from said first jetting position to a second jetting position inwhich said directional guide is aligned with a second opening to theformation; laterally inserting a jetting hose through the directionalguide into the formation via said second opening; performing lateraljetting utilizing said jetting hose inserted into the formation via saidsecond opening; and retracting the lateral jetting hose from theformation via said second opening.
 42. The method of claim 41, whereininserting said indexing device downhole and inserting said lateraljetting system downhole comprises attaching said indexing device to saidlateral jetting system uphole and inserting said indexing deviceattached to said lateral jetting system downhole in said wellbore. 43.The method of claim 41, further comprising, preparatory to insertingsaid indexing device downhole, setting a timer for initiating theindexing sequence; and initiating said indexing sequence with saidindexing device downhole in response to said timer.
 44. A system forjetting a wellbore with an automated jetting system, the automatedjetting system comprising: a lateral jetting string system for insertinginto a wellbore, said lateral jetting string system including adirectional guide for enabling a jetting hose to be radially deflectedtowards the wellbore formation; and an indexing device comprising a bodyconfigured for inserting downhole in a wellbore, a rotary actuator foroperably coupling to said directional guide of said lateral jettingsystem; an electronic controller for controlling said rotary actuator;and a power source f or powering said controller; wherein saidelectronic controller is configured to cause the rotary actuator toautomatically rotate said directional guide according to a predeterminedindexing sequence.
 45. The system of claim 44 wherein wherein saidrotary actuator comprises an electro-mechanical drive
 46. The system ofclaim 45, wherein said electronic controller is configured to rotatesaid directional guide into a first jetting position in which saiddirectional guide is aligned with a first opening to the wellboreformation; wherein said lateral jetting system is configured to:laterally deflect a jetting hose through the directional guide into theformation via said first opening; perform lateral jetting utilizing saidjetting hose deflected into the formation via said first opening;retract the lateral jetting hose from the formation via said firstopening; and wherein said indexing device is further configured toautomatically rotate said directional guide from said first jettingposition to a second jetting position in which said directional guide isaligned with a second opening to the formation.